Malacanang on Wednesday hailed the decision of the European Union (EU) to lift the ban on Philippine Airlines (PAL), clearing the way for the flag carrier’s flights to Europe starting July 12.
Strategic Communications Secretary Ramon Carandang said the lifting of the ban was the result of the Philippine government’s efforts in addressing aviation industry safety concerns.
“This is good news for PAL, and is a sign of the improvement in
Philippine aviation standards,” Carandang said.
He commended the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) for their efforts to comply with the aviation safety regulations that led to the lifting of the ban.
The European Commission (EC), the executive body of the 28
member-state union, said in a statement that PAL is the first airline from the Philippines that have been allowed back into European skies since 2010.
CATHERINE S. VALENTE